Savings

Banks that pay ultra-low interest rates on savings accounts because customers tend not to switch away may face a crackdown from the industry watchdog.

16 and 17-year-olds can save up to £19,000 tax-free this year under today's ISA revamp, meaning they could net £100s in interest if they put the maximum amount away.

ISAs transform into NISAs (New ISAs) today, meaning everyone can now put £15,000 into cash or shares savings without paying tax on it.

Plans for giant "pooled" pension schemes which could boost people's chances of getting a better retirement income have been unveiled in the Queen's Speech, while a 5p charge for plastic bags will also be introduced in England.

If you opened a Santander Direct ISA Saver last year, check your rate now. If you haven't upgraded, it could now be paying as little as 0.5%.

Borrowers can now get 18 months interest-free spending for a year and a half, plus up to 3% cashback with Santander's new 123 credit card deal.

Pensioners will be able to buy top-ups of as much as £25 in extra state pension per week from autumn next year under Government plans.

Savers can get up to 2.75% tax-free interest on cash put into an ISA. But with the deadline looming you need to use your ISA allowance now or you'll lose it.

Chancellor George Osborne announced big changes for the UK's savers in today's Budget, including a revamp of the Isa system and new bonds for over-65s.